How to Grow a Plant in a Pot

By Kelly Shetsky; Updated September 21, 2017

Whether or not you have the outdoor space for a garden, growing potted plants is a great way to add ambiance and color to any home environment. Potted plants can be put anywhere, indoors or out, as long as you meet the plant's nutritional requirements. Container planting also allows you to show your style through the choice of pot. Options include ceramic, plastic, wood and metal.

Choose the plants you want to put in a pot. The options include flowers, small trees and bushes. Base your decision on what grows well in your climate as well as the aesthetic you're hoping to achieve.

Carefully remove the plants from their nursery containers. Use pruning shears to cut the plastic pots away, keeping the roots intact. Gently separate the roots if they are in a tight ball. This will encourage them to spread out once they are in their new pots.

Fill the pot halfway with a good, nutrient-rich, lightweight potting soil. Place the plant in the center of the pot. Make sure the plant is deep enough so that it is buried at the same depth as it was in its nursery container.

Add other plants around the center plant to get the look you want. The tallest plants should go in the center of the pot, with shorter ones flanking all sides. If you are going to keep the container against a wall or other barrier, put the tallest plants in the back of the pot, with the shorter ones in front.

Fill in all empty spaces with potting soil, pressing down lightly to remove air pockets. Water until moist.

Put the plant pot somewhere that gets adequate sunlight. Most plants need at least filtered light for a portion of the day. Others need full sunlight. The location depends on the specific plant needs. Check with the nursery or tab inside the nursery container for specific sunlight needs.

Feed potted plants with a water-soluble fertilizer. Apply it to the soil every two to three weeks. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Over-fertilizing can burn and kill the plants.

Check the soil for moisture content every day in normal weather and twice a day on hot days. Containers tend to dry out fast. You may need to water the potted plants once or twice daily, depending on the specific plant needs. Water until it pours out of the container's drainage holes.

Things You Will Need

Container

Plants

Pruning shears

Potting soil

Trowel

Water

Tips

If putting more than one plant in a container, choose plants that have similar sunlight and moisture needs.

Wear gloves as protection when planting flowers in pots.

References

About the Author

Based in New York State, Kelly Shetsky started writing in 1999. She is a broadcast journalist-turned Director of Marketing and Public Relations and has experience researching, writing, producing and reporting. She writes for several websites, specializing in gardening, medical, health and fitness, entertainment and travel. Shetsky has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Marist College.